Advanced Graffiti Board Tips - Making Perfect Curves 101

First, I would like to give credit to Wheezy Bee and Wise Kitten. It was through their forum posts on how to make a straight line that I discovered some of these techniques.

How to Make a Perfect Curve

I think up until now, most people probably made them like I was... with a lucky fast stroke or the cleaning of the edges to get it right. There is no easy way to creating your base shapes in a painting when it comes to curves, at least from my experience. Getting a precise curve really seemed impossible. And then you have to take into account how the board wants to manipulate your brush strokes...

Well with this technique, you can create precise curves with a single stroke that will not be corrected or changed by the board (in most instances)!

Plus, it should hopefully decrease your painting time (depending on the amount of curves used) and save on paint for other details!!!

Here is how to do it. Let's first review how to make a straight line for those that don't already know. If you know already, skip to Method 1. (See Picture for Example # 1)

1. Left click on the canvas and hold the button down.
2. With the left button still down, click your right mouse button.
3. If done right, you'll see a menu popup. Now release both mouse buttons.
4. Left click the mouse button at the point where you want the line to end. (Do not hold down the button this time. Just click it once.)

If you followed those instructions correctly, you should have a straight line (Like example #1 in the picture)

(The RED lines represent the paths I took in making the objects/shapes)


Making a Curve - Method 1 (See Picture for Examples # 2, 2a and 2b)

Ok, we're going to do the same thing we did with making a straight line. This time though, we're going to create a square. So where the line would've ended before, you'll simply repeat steps 1-3 for the 4 corners of the square before closing it with a single left click. Make sense?

So start off with making your line, but don't end it. Do the left click - right click menu thing and continue doing that until you have made a square. That should be a total of 4 multi-clicks (what I'll call it when you hold or click both buttons at once). And 1 single left click at the end where you close the square.

This shape can be used for many things from eyes to wings to lips... its really up to you how you use it!

Making a Curve - Method 2 ( See Picture for Examples # 3, 3a and 3b)

This is just like method one, only you make half of the square instead.

So you'll have your starting point were you multi-click, then you move to the next point and multi-click again. Now you cut away at a 90 degree angle more or less and single click on the last point. Now you should have a nice curve! Keep practicing until you get the hang of it...

It's odd, but to create a perfect curve on these boards... you must create it from squares and right angles.

Another way... You have 2 points you want to connect with a curve. Do your starting multi-click on one, then guess where you corner multi-click should be in relation to your 2 connection points. Then do the single click on the connecting point. You should have a curve connecting the 2 points now.

This technique is really handy! The curves it makes are perfect!

Making a Curve - Shape # 4

This shape is a bit odd, but a shape regardless that can be made repeatedly by following the same pattern. To make one of these, you do the same steps as method 1, but instead of closing the square... you cross-over like an X on the last point (where you single left click).

Making a Curve - Shape # 5

Shape # 5 reminds me of a fin or some spike on a dinosaur. Maybe you can use it for something? To make this shape, you follow the same concept as above, but create a 5-pointed star instead. This shape is a little tricky and takes some practice. You'll often get some twisted mess that looks close, but not it. The board does try correcting this shape.

Ok, I think that covers the foundation of my techniques and concepts. I'm still experimenting with it... maybe add some updates as they come along. Below is a painting I did using nothing but these techniques....




Let me know if you have any questions or problems. I'll try to answer all that I can... hope this helps some of you that can use these concepts!

Good luck!

-Psi Benelli

Thank you for the awesome tutorial! Looks like it took a long time. I will have to try this tomorrow.

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG, I have tried to teach all that to so many! And you just, bam, put it there! *hug*

Thanks everyone! Hey Teflonda, you should post a sample of your work on this thread that uses the concept to help demostrate the technique...

-Psi

Give me a few to dig in my flickr acct...I am sure I have one.

Oh here is one:

woo woo.. THIS IS GREAT!!!

Thanks for doing this!

Thanks Teflonda and Ranch.

Hey Ali, I'm guessing the two curved lines you have over the fire were done that way? They certainly look dead on...

-Psi

They were, that is why I added that piece.

Bringing this back up for the morning crew! lol..

Gr8 Thread Psi Looks Like You Got It Bro Im Sure All The Sw Artists Are Gr8 Ful For Tis Thread And Very Kind Of You To Take The Time To Share Thx Bro